After our conversation with John Kramb, we headed to Adams County Winery’s gift shop and tasting room. The gift shop is one of the nicest I’ve seen at any winery. They carry everything from wine themed hats and sweatshirt (lưới cầu thang) shirts to wine racks and gift bags. They also have a complete line of wine making equipment and supplies. They do encourage you to call ahead at 717-334-4631 before planning a trip around purchasing wine making supplies. I bought a “Got Wine” hat based on the old “Got Milk” advertising campaign. If there wasn’t anything else to do at Adams County Winery, a visit to the gift shop would be worth the trip.
As we moved to the tasting bar, we were greeted by Gavin who is Adams County Winery’s events coordinator. Gavin is very proud of the winery’s picnic area that features a bandstand and a large tent. During the months of July and August, the winery hosts Saturday evening concerts consisting of a variety of different kinds of music. Guests are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, purchase a bottle of glass of wine and enjoy the warm summer evenings. Food is also available for purchase but guests are welcome to bring their own picnic dinners. Please check Adams County Winery’s website in March for a schedule of the 2009 concerts.
Adams County also offers several courses on wine appreciation and home wine making throughout the year. The wine appreciation class takes an informative, but humorous, approach to this subject. John Kramb will teach you about vineyard activities, the wine-making process, wine attributes, and then tasting. In 2008 admission was $35.00 and included a tour of the operations area and a light meal. The home wine making class focuses on using the great selection of wine making equipment and supplies that the winery offers. In 2008, the classes were offered from January to April and cost $25.00. Check the website soon for 2009 dates and admission prices.
When I asked John Kramb what his favorite Adams County wine is, he said it was the Stray Cat Strut because of its nice acidity and crisp, fruity flavor. Stray Cat Strut is a dry Vidal that has won many awards over the years. John was quick to point out, however, that 90% of wine drinkers prefer sweet wines. Because of that, his best sellers are the Tears of Gettysburg and the Rebel Red. The Tears of Gettysburg ($11.98 per bottle) is a Niagara blend that Adams County Winery has been producing since 1988. This wine is bottled under the Gettysburg Winery label and was created in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. The winery reserves the Gettysburg Winery label for its most premium wines. The Tears of Gettysburg has won many awards including the Pennsylvania Farm Show’s “Best of Show for American Wines”.
My two favorite wines were the Seducente and the Rhedd Butler. The Seducente ($17.98 per bottle) is an estate bottled, medium-bodied dry red made from 100% Lemberger grapes. The Rhedd Butler ($13.98 per bottle) is an unusual blend of Chardonnay and Chambourcin. Although it’s sweeter than most of my favorites, I liked it because of its crispness and very easy finish. In fact, maybe I’ll open a bottle of Rhedd Butler tonight!
Brenda and I really enjoyed our visit to the Adams County Winery. The owner and staff were very friendly and the wine was delicious. I look forward to returning there in the spring.
Stay tuned for part III of this series where I’ll tell you how John Kramb came to buy the Adams County Winery. It’s a great story and I’m sure you’ll enjoy hearing it.
write by Vera
